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Children with new sneakers and oversized backpacks filled with supplies for the first day of school held their parents' hands as they tentatively shuffled up to the doors of Samuel Staples Elementary on Wednesday morning. Some students were more eager than others to meet their new teachers and classmates.

"Not good, my tummy even hurts ... and my spine is quivering," second-grader Ian Jennings said when his mother, Cathy, was asked how it feels to be sending him back to school.

"We have some first day jitters," she said, holding his hand.

A couple of teachers were stationed outside the doors, welcoming students and their parents by name, one teacher sticking apple-shaped nametag stickers on the kids' shirts.

The kids weren't the only ones caught up in first-day hubbub. Throughout town, parents could be seen taking pictures of their children as they sat on the stoops of their houses with their arms around each other, waiting for the bus.

Some parents said their children were so ready to start class that they were in the car ready to go at 8 a.m. for a 9 a.m. opening.

Sarah Karim brought 3-year-old Minaal and 4-year-old Maira to Staples for the first time. "It's great it's very exciting for us," she said. "They've been in school before, but this is the first time they're here, so we're excited. I'm a little concerned about the 3-year-old, but hopefully it'll be good."